Representatives voted 129-14 Thursday to approve the budget, which balances the state's books through the fiscal year, which ends on June 30.

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) _ The Maine House has given final approval to a supplemental budget to address a $153 million shortfall in the current fiscal year, leaving only a final Senate vote pending.

Representatives voted 129-14 Thursday to approve the budget, which balances the state's books through the end of the fiscal year June 30.

The budget addresses a downturn in revenue due to a lagging economy and higher than expected expenses in Medicaid services. The final budget keeps intact the Drugs for the Elderly program and rejects a cap on general assistance.

If the Senate passes the budget, as expected, it must go to Gov. Paul LePage for his approval.

Then the hard work starts. The Legislature is to deliberate the details of a $6.3 billion two-year budget in the coming weeks.